Gordon Brown Makes Special Visit to King's

CommentThe College newsletter Issue no 169 | October 2006 Gordon Brown makes special visit to King’s

The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, visited King’s for a series of meetings with staff and students on Freshers’ Fortnight kicks off new year 11 September. chris sharp Discussions included issues facing higher education, specific initiatives in nursing and midwifery education and the College’s groundbreaking Extended Medical Degree Programme.

‘A unique opportunity’

The Chancellor was met by the Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, and Baroness Rawlings, Chairman of Council, at the James Clerk Maxwell Building. His first meeting with senior staff centred on the interface between Government, universities and the NHS and the development of research funding. The Chancellor then visited the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery and met with Professor Anne Marie KCLSU (King’s College London Students’ Union) welcomed new students to King’s with two weeks of activities across the College to mark the start of the new academic year. Highlights included the Xfm Freshers’ Festival, a Freshers’ Ball, 70s Fever Night, Freshers’ Quiz Night as well as Rafferty, Julie Bliss, Dr Peter opportunities to join 44 clubs, 75 societies, six student-led volunteering projects and six campaigning groups held at several Freshers’ Fairs Griffiths, Pauleene Hammett, around the College. Professor Ian Norman, Professor Jane Sandall and Professor Alison While. They briefed and training to approximately audit resulted in a maximum the Extended Medical Degree the Chancellor on the various 4,616 students. There are 166 score. In the final part of the Programme, plus the course initiatives in nursing and academic and research staff and Chancellor’s visit he met Director, Dr Pamela Garlick. midwifery education at King’s. 39 support staff and the recent with nursing and midwifery The Extended Medical Degree The School provides education QAA (Quality Assurance Audit) students and two students on continued on page 2 News

Gates Foundation HIV funding

King’s has been awarded funding research groups who will focus means of preventing infection. based on a ‘stealth’ delivery by the Bill & Melinda Gates on developing vaccines based Ultimately we hope it can form system using adenovirus (the Foundation for research into on human leukocyte antigens the basis for a safe, effective virus that causes the common HIV vaccines, as part of a – or HLA proteins. When and affordable vaccine against cold) to induce strong immunity $287 million international HIV replicates inside human the HIV virus.’ at the body’s mucosal surfaces, funding initiative. cells, selected human proteins, the main site of virus replication. The main King’s grant is in particular HLA, become The vaccines will be developed for a novel approach using the incorporated in the HIV virus and A novel approach using as patches incorporating micro- body’s own HLA proteins to are important to the mechanism the body’s own HLA needles, which are invisible to the induce a powerful immune of the infection. They are naked eye, and will not require response to HIV. Another team therefore potential targets for an proteins refrigeration, facilitating much at King’s will be working with anti-HIV immune response. wider, cost-effective use Imperial College London on Professor Lehner said: ‘After Dr Linda Klavinskis, in the developing world. developing a vaccine skin ‘patch’ 15 years of research we have Department of Immunobiology, This group of grants from the using polymer-shielded ‘stealth’ very promising evidence that will work closely on a grant Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation viral vectors. harnessing this specific part of led by Dr Steven Patterson of brings together more than 165 Tom Lehner, Professor of the immune system – the part Imperial College London. This investigators from 19 countries in Basic and Applied Immunology, involved in rejecting tissue multi-disciplinary team will a network of highly collaborative is leading a consortium of transplants – may be an effective pursue a novel vaccine concept research groups.

Gordon Brown makes special visit to King’s New design Dominic Turner continued from page 1 You may have noticed that Programme, now in its fifth year, Comment has been refreshed is a six-year medical degree for the new academic year. The course which allows students to newsletter retains many of its study at a slower pace and with original features but following greater support during their first feedback from staff the three years. By the end of the six Corporate Design Unit years students will have covered and Public Relations Office the same topics, at the same level have worked to introduce some of detail, as the conventional improvements. medical students on the standard These include: revitalising five-year MBBS programme. The Principal introduces the Chancellor to Baroness Rawlings, Chairman of Council. the design using the College’s They will also have sat the same a unique opportunity for the The Chancellor enthused: primary type face, Caslon, examinations and been required Chancellor to hear at first ‘King’s is a great place to work!’ and adding clearer page to achieve the same pass mark. hand from those who have This is the second high profile headings to help navigation, There are currently more than responsibility for the provision of ministerial visit this summer: the making Comment easier to read; 180 students on the programme. teaching and research at King’s, Prime Minister, Tony Blair, gave printing Comment with paper The Principal commented: the largest provider of healthcare the College’s Commemoration produced with 80 per cent ‘This series of meetings was education in Europe.’ Oration on 26 June. recovered fibre in line with Dominic Turner the College’s policy to protect and enhance the environment; and introducing new features including Question? and Three favourite... [see page 24] where we ask staff to interact and let us know their views. Let us know what you think – email [email protected] The Corporate Design Unit is keen to assist staff with the application of the visual corporate identity. Visit www. kcl.ac.uk/design to find out more about the King’s logo, corporate typefaces, House style for written material and stationery. The Chancellor meets [from left] Shelley Peacock, Senior Nurse Practioner, Helen Pooley, Community Matron, and Jakki Berry, Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

| Comment | October 2006 News

Tutu immortalised on the web

On 25 September the British High whose experience and learning Commissioner to South Africa, left me eager to discover more.’ Paul Boateng, and former African The glittering event was High Commissioner Cheryl attended by around 300 guests, Carolus hosted a reception at who included former President Paul Boateng’s residence in Cape FW De Clerk; the Premier of the Town to mark Desmond Tutu’s Western Cape, Ebrahim Rasool; 75th birthday. The event also HRH Princess Irene of Greece; launched a groundbreaking King’s author Antjie Krog; Mamphele web project to create a digital Ramphele, Managing Director of archive of the life and work of the the World Bank; Adelaide Tambo; Archbishop. the Chairman of the Robben Island Museum, Ahmed Kathrada; Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman A groundbreaking King’s of de Beers; and alumnus web project Barney Pityana, Chairman of the South African Human Rights Commission and Vice-Chancellor Baroness Rawlings, Chairman ‘As one of the great leaders Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu of the University of South Africa. of Council, and the Principal, of our time Archbishop Tutu studied at King’s in the 1960s and The celebration began with Professor Rick Trainor, also continues to bring messages of returned in 2004 as Professor in a film of the Archbishop’s life. spoke and paid tribute to hope to a troubled world,’ said Post-Conflict Societies. Speaking This was followed by a speech the Archbishop, who himself the Principal. ‘Our intention is to of his time as a student at the from Paul Boateng who paid concluded with a moving tribute ensure that everyone everywhere College Archbishop Tutu has tribute to the College and its to his wife, Leah, commenting: can benefit from his teaching and said: ‘I have wonderful, happy vision for a Tutu digital archive, ‘I am on cloud nine. I feel really speeches by making them freely memories of my time at King’s. declaring that raising funds for blessed tonight.’ available via the internet.’ I was excited by the accessibility this elevated the evening into Archbishop Tutu has expressed of books, the freedom to question ‘a party with a purpose…for the his own enthusiasm and support and to debate and the opportunity man who is, and always has been, ‘A party with a purpose’ for the project, commenting: ‘I to listen to the wisdom of minds a man with a purpose’. am humbled to be at the centre The Tutu Digital Archives of such an initiative, but if it can project aims to digitise the help spread understanding and, entire works of this modern icon dare I say it, love, around the and provide a free, interactive world, then it surely must be a resource for his humanitarian good thing.’ teachings that will resonate Media coverage of the event around the world for generations was extensive and Professor to come. King’s is now seeking to Harold Short, Simon Tanner, raise £4.5 million for the project. Dr Marilyn Deegan (all of CCH) Over the next five years, experts and Chris Coe (Director of from the Centre for Computing Communications) of King’s each in the Humanities (CCH) at gave extensive interviews to the King’s will collaborate with the South African media, including a Universities of Western Cape 20-minute slot on the pan-African and Witwatersrand to assemble, satellite news channel. The glittering event was attended by around 300 guests including former President FW De Clerk. catalogue and digitise thousands of The Principal commented: documents, film materials, videos, ‘The event was a huge success audios, photos and even personal for King’s and we have now letters into the Archive. established a very strong presence The project constitutes the in South Africa, aided, of course by most comprehensive digitisation some of our distinguished South of a personal archive in the world. African alumni and the ongoing The archive – to be housed and work of our HIV and palliative managed in Cape Town – will be care specialists who are working developed as a unique historical in the country. I am very keen to record of South Africa’s struggle build on this and develop stronger for freedom and reconciliation. academic links with South African The project will also be delivered universities and would welcome as a comprehensive teaching suggestions from our own Left: The Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, pays tribute to Archbishop Tutu. Right: Simon Tanner [left], the Centre for Computing in the Humanities, and Tim Allen, a researcher on his father John’s resource, free to all schools across academics as to how this may best new biography of the Archbishop, ‘Rabble-Rouser for Peace’. South Africa. be achieved.’

October 2006 | Comment | News

Principal’s Column Principal’s fora

our activity, teaching, has also All staff are encouraged to attend these open meetings from 13.00-14.00. received a boost this summer. (A sandwich lunch will be provided from 12.30.) Our ratings in the National Student Survey have improved 26 October Classroom G79, Franklin-Wilkins Building, considerably overall and our Waterloo Campus Law School was voted the best 27 October Bill Whimster Suite, Weston Education Centre, in the country. The Sunday Times Denmark Hill Campus shortlisted King’s for the title of 30 October Great Hall, Strand Campus ‘University Of The Year’ in that 31 October Henrietta Raphael Function Room, newspaper’s University Guide [see Guy’s Campus page 5]. In July we also received It has been a busy summer for approval from the Privy Council the College. A cursory glance at to award our own degrees (as the News Highlights’ archives opposed to awarding degrees of Degree powers for King’s on the College website for the the University of London). I am past couple of months reveals cheered that our independence In July King’s was granted degree- awarding powers and so far the extraordinary breadth of has now been formally awarding powers in its own right King’s, along with the LSE and activity and achievement that recognised [see right]. by the Privy Council. Currently, University College London, we have enjoyed recently. King’s has helped shaped the College awards degrees of has been successful in achieving The College has hosted public policy for a long time, the University of London under a such powers. a very large number of and continues to go from delegated authority as do all other The decision on whether conferences and seminars that strength to strength in this colleges of the University. and when the College might have attracted delegates from all area. Naturally I am extremely The University, which is introduce these newly acquired over the world. pleased that both the Prime undergoing a fundamental review powers has yet to be taken and These have explored such Minister and the Chancellor of of its governance structures, has will require further consideration diverse subjects as global the Exchequer have recognised actively encouraged individual by Academic Board and the migration and mental health, this and visited King’s recently. colleges to seek their own degree- Council. the Byzantine Empire, the Both, incidentally, representation of illness in the emphasised their belief in the arts, the making of modern importance of developing a Greece and religious violence global university community, MP gives keynote address in the modern world. and I am glad that we are taking Greg Funnell that forward with a number of international initiatives. ‘We are receiving I cannot review College record research grant activity for the summer without mentioning the email crash funding’ which left us bereft of this vital communication tool for This dynamic range of several days in late July. Once activity reflects the fact again, I apologise to the many that we are receiving record members of the College who research grant funding. Two were inconvenienced by this. recent grants to which I would Everything possible has been particularly draw attention are done to ensure that a prolonged those from the Bill & Melinda shutdown of this kind cannot Gates Foundation for HIV happen again. research [see page 2] and Lastly, I would like to welcome Professor Charles Mitchell [left] welcomes Ivan Lewis MP to the College. from Tate & Lyle for a Health all new staff and students who Research Centre [see page 6]. join our community this term; On 14 September the School of political activities in the health The College’s research profile in particular, the College has a Law hosted a conference on charity sector. improves with each year; the new Head of Administration/ Charities and the NHS: A Change Ivan Lewis MP, Parliamentary most recent recognition is from College Secretary, Ian Creagh, of Direction? Under Secretary of State for Care the World Health Organisation and a new Director of the More than 100 delegates from Services, gave a keynote address, which has designated the Graduate School, Vaughan health charities and NHS bodies and a concluding speech was Institute of Psychiatry as its Robinson [see page 14]. were addressed by a range of delivered by Lindsay Driscoll of lead research centre for mental I hope that you are ready speakers from academia and legal the Charity Commission. health services. for what looks like being an practice, on topics including NHS The Minister’s responsibilities I am particularly proud exciting year for King’s. commissioning, Primary Care include social care finance and that the other great focus of Rick Trainor Trusts, welfare service provision, child and adolescent mental the role of grantmakers, and health services.

| Comment | October 2006 News

King’s rises through the rankings In recent months King’s has risen through the rankings of a number of influential league tables. Meteoric rise King’s rocks with the best

King’s has leapt spectacularly to were asked to identify up to 30 46th place from 73rd in the third universities best for research in edition of The Times Higher World their own field of expertise. University Rankings. This now The table also includes data puts the College in 12th place in from 736 graduate employers Europe and confirms its position from around the world, as well as a centre of global academic as the ratio of faculty to student excellence. numbers and a university’s success in attracting foreign students and internationally A centre of global renowned academics. Citations King’s recently topped a light-hearted Times Higher survey of pop stars with university of academic papers are also used backgrounds. Produced by surveying institutions and scouring the biographies of musicians, academic excellence the review revealed that higher education is increasingly common among today’s leading music as they are regarded as the most acts. King’s boasts: Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) [pictured], John Deacon (Queen), Richard Coles reliable measure of a paper’s (Communards), Anne Dudley (Art of Noise), John Evan (Jethro Tull) and Den Hegarty (Darts). The Principal, Professor impact and the intellectual power ‘At King’s we rock and we rock hard!’ commented a spokesperson. Rick Trainor, comments: ‘I a university has relative to its size. am delighted that King’s is The five factors were weighted recognised internationally as and transformed into a scale giving being on a dynamic upward the top university 100 points and Law School tops survey trajectory. The College’s ranking the others as a proportion improved standing reflects of that score. Britain has eight In the second National Student students at 145 higher education the outstanding achievements universities in the top 50. Survey, King’s School of Law has institutions. At King’s 1,500 final- of colleagues right across Martin Ince, compiler of the been voted the top UK university year students (62 per cent) voted the institution. Today higher table for The Higher, explains the law department in terms of on six broad areas of learning and education is particularly volatile methodology: ‘Peer review is once student satisfaction. Two other teaching in spring of this year. internationally, as indicated by the again a key criterion in this year’s subject areas, Medical Science Professor Phil Whitfield, Vice- number of countries represented rankings. But research quality is & Pharmacy and Politics (War Principal (Students), comments: in the top 200. There is no now gauged on five rather than Studies), are in the top five for ‘I am delighted that so many question that the high ranking of ten years of citations, making it overall student satisfaction. King’s students took part and King’s is well deserved, but we more topical.’ Of the institutions that took that they voiced a high level of should be aware of the growing John O’Leary, Editor of The part from the Russell Group, satisfaction with their education. academic standing of institutions Higher, comments: ‘The aim is to King’s came joint top in terms As a College, and in consultation around the world and avoid any produce the most expert view of of overall student satisfaction. with our students, we took complacency.’ academic strengths rather than an Nationally more than 157,000 the results of last year’s survey The rankings are based on a impressionistic verdict on whole students took part in the survey very seriously. The results this survey for The Higher of more than universities that might be swayed which aims to provide useful year suggest that some of the 3,700 academics worldwide who by outside factors.’ information to prospective consequential changes that we julian anderson students. This represents 56 introduced have acted to enhance per cent of the 279,000 eligible student satisfaction.’ Shortlisted for best uni

King’s was shortlisted for the title King’s finished fourth in the of ‘University of the Year’ in the capital, and is in 13th position annual Sunday Times University overall in the UK: holding its Guide published on 10 September. position nationally for the third Four other universities, out of successive year. the UK’s 120 higher education The results show that King’s institutions included in the Guide, enjoys the highest levels of were shortlisted. student satisfaction with teaching In the main league table quality and learning resources of rankings the paper produces, any institution in the capital.

October 2006 | Comment | News

Byzantine Who’s Who launched naresh verlander The history of Byzantium, told about every individual mentioned through the careers of individuals, in Byzantine sources and every is captured in the unique individual mentioned in non- Prosopography of the Byzantine Byzantine sources during the World (PBW). This rich online same period who is relevant searchable database (www.pbw.kcl. to Byzantine affairs at this ac.uk) of more than 10,000 people time. More importantly, having had its international launch at gathered the information, we King’s on 24 August. want to make it available to A Prosopography is the as many people as possible, systematic recording and study to use however they wish – to of individuals. This way of investigate their genealogy, or presenting material tells not just the history of a place, or the the stories of monarchs and details of a historical event.’ ‘great men’ but of wider social The overarching project, From left: Professor Elizabeth Jeffreys (Oxford University), Professor Judith Herrin (King’s), the groups as well. sponsored by the British Academy, Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, Professor Charlotte Roueché (King’s) and Professor Alice-Mary The Prosopography of the covers the period 641-1261; this Talbot, Director of the Centre for Byzantine Studies, Dumbarton Oaks (Washington DC). Byzantine World is a definitive section covers the 11th and early The Prosopography was was attended by more than Who’s Who of the Byzantine 12th century, a period of dramatic developed with the Centre for 1,100 participants from over 30 world. Professor Charlotte change. It also extends into the Computing in the Humanities. countries. This year’s theme Roueché, Chair of the project, history of other people – Normans, Its launch was the culmination was ‘Display’ and the opening comments: ‘Our goal is to record Russians, Arabs, Bulgarians, Turks of a week-long series of events address, Byzantine Studies on in a computerised relational – as individual people passed for the International Congress Display, was given by Professor database all surviving information between these cultures. of Byzantine Studies which Judith Herrin of King’s. MA national recognition New health research centre greg funnell On 7 September Tate & Lyle Professor of Nutrition and Health announced that it will contribute and a Reader in Endocrinology £4.5 million over a five-year and Diabetes. The Centre will period to King’s to set up a new also draw upon the clinical centre for research into the link expertise at Guy’s and St Thomas’ between nutrition and health. NHS Foundation Trust. Collaboration between the King’s has a strong international company and the College dates reputation for its cross-disciplinary back to the 1970s when research approach to nutrition and health, by scientists from King’s and Tate bringing together expertise in & Lyle led to the development gut health, cardiovascular disease, of the no-calorie sweetener reproductive health, molecular From left: Members of the e-learning programme, MA War in the Modern World, Department of War Studies team: Steven Warburton (e-learning Consultant), Anne-Lucie Norton (Director), David SPLENDA® Sucralose. biology and nutrition. Betz (Senior Tutor and Lecturer), Menisha Gor (Administrator), Simon Mahony (Student Support The new ‘Tate & Lyle Health Current research includes the Manager), Sergio Catignani (Tutor and Lecturer), Ivan Zverzhanovksi (Tutor and Lecturer) and Simon Hall (Project Manager). Research Centre’ at King’s will use of prebiotic carbohydrates include a clinical research facility to promote gut health and the David Betz, e-Learning Academic academic rigour and manner (based at St Thomas’) and a influence of diet and obesity Programme Director for the of delivery. Launched last year carbohydrate nutrition research during pregnancy on the risk of College’s innovative War in the with 34 students, it draws on the laboratory (based at the Waterloo offspring developing high blood Modern World MA programme, expertise of the world-renowned Campus). pressure and metabolic syndrome. has won second place in this year’s Department of War Studies. The research will strengthen E-Tutor of the Year Award. Dr Betz comments: ‘The understanding of how The competition is run by award is very much a team effort. carbohydrates can promote gut A strong international The Times Higher, the Higher An enormous amount of work health and how different types reputation Education Academy and has gone into establishing the of carbohydrate can reduce the the Association for Learning programme. risk of metabolic syndrome Technology. ‘To receive this recognition in (the group of disorders associated The Principal, Professor Rick War in the Modern World is our first year is really gratifying with heart disease and type II Trainor, commented: ‘This is a the College’s first wholly web- because it shows we’re on track. diabetes). big achievement, with important delivered MA programme. It is It gives me confidence that our Tate & Lyle’s investment will implications academically and as unique in respect of its particular ambitious plans for MA War in the support new appointments within a model for collaboration with a combination of subject matter, Modern World are well grounded.’ the Centre, such as a Tate & Lyle commercial partner.’

| Comment | October 2006 Profile

Lawrence Freedman greg funnell Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Professor of War Studies, and Vice-Principal (Research) was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1995, awarded the CBE in 1996 and knighted in 2003. Here he tells Comment about his career, his research and why he is extremely proud of King’s unique Department of War Studies.

Tell us about your career. the College’s budget but its future reputation. find a settlement after the Argentine invasion. I was educated at Whitley Bay Grammar Our mock RAE is getting underway now Once I got going the writing took over and School and the universities of Manchester, so that we can assess the full strength of what guided the research. I am now finishing the York and Oxford. Before joining King’s I the College has to offer. I know some staff changes for a second edition. worked in the ‘think-tank’ world, ending up at are still finishing that last piece of work that the Royal Institute of International Affairs. can be published in time for the deadline Who inspired you to enter into academia? I joined King’s on 1 April 1982 as the of December 2007. I am sure that we’ve I was very lucky with both my PhD supervisors Department of War Studies’ fifth member of moved on a lot since the last RAE in 2001 but at Oxford. Professor Sir Michael Howard, who staff which means I’m now fast approaching competition between universities is fiercer created the Department of War Studies and my 25th anniversary. I remember my start date than ever. For a research-led university like established the Centre for Military Archives at well because the next day Argentina invaded King’s we have to demonstrate that we are King’s, was one of my supervisors. the Falklands, so I started off as Professor of working at the highest international level. I greatly admired his writing and the way he War Studies with a real war. The final submission will be made next used research as a foundation to comment on I like combining research with a November. This is the last exercise of its kind contemporary policy. He was a valuable role management role and was Head of Department so the reputational affect of the RAE results model, very helpful and very influential in the from 1982 until 1997. Working with great will linger longer than the financial rewards. early stages of my career. colleagues we were able to build up the I can’t stress enough how important is to the My other supervisor, Philip Williams, also Department, and Christopher Dandeker and College that we get in the strongest possible gave me an enormous amount of guidance on Brian Holden Reid have since taken it on to submission. how to write in an effective and organised way. its current international strength. Watching its success now gives me a real kick. Tell us about your own areas of research. How do you unwind outside College? When John Reid, as Secretary of State for I have two main strands of interest: strategic My wife is a Law Professor at Oxford so part Defence, gave his keynote speech here in theory and contemporary international affairs of the challenge is to find time to be together. February, I enjoyed seeing the Great Hall and conflicts. I really enjoy writing, it gives me We enjoy dining out and going to the theatre filled with War Studies staff and students. a lot of satisfaction. The challenge is to find with friends. I also like the odd game of tennis I remember the days when I could fit the the time for research. and collect books on political cartooning. Department’s staff, their partners and the My most recent books include an Adelphi When I find the time (which can be during the students in my back garden! Paper called The Transformation in Strategic more boring meetings!) I also enjoy sketching In 1997 I took a few years leave to write a Affairs, a book on deterrence, and the two- cartoons. book on President Kennedy and in the same volume Official History of the Falklands year was appointed Official Historian of the Campaign which was published in the summer Falklands Campaign. In 2000 I returned to of 2005. Fact file head up and establish the new School of Social I am currently writing a book on American Science & Public Policy. This was quite a policy in the Middle East over the last three First job challenge as people hadn’t really associated decades including Iran, Iraq and Israel/ Temporary teaching assistant at the King’s with the social sciences before but I Palestine. I hope to have this finished by next University of York. think that we’ve definitely established King’s summer. I am also trying to finish a book on as a distinctive player in this area. strategic studies which I have been struggling Book on my bedside table In 2003 I took up my current role as Vice- with for about a decade. I’ve just finishedImperium by Robert Principal (Research). This was a new post As well as research, writing and my VP role I Harris. I read quite widely and enjoy crime created to ensure a joined-up, College-wide still do teach on one Masters course and have novels by authors such as PD James. approach to research. This is particularly quite a few research students. I would like to vital in light of the forthcoming Research do more teaching but this isn’t practical at the Favourite holiday destination Assessment Exercise (RAE). moment. A recent trip to southern Africa taking in Cape Town, Kruger National Park and In terms of the RAE what are the key messages? How do you begin to undertake a project like the Victoria Falls was pretty spectacular. The purpose of RAE 2008 is to produce Official History of the Falklands Campaign? quality profiles for each submission of I had written on the subject before and Chris Proudest work moment research activity made by higher education Baxter, a former King’s student, was a very Getting knighted and being elected a institutions. The funding bodies will then use good research assistant. I knew I had to start at Fellow of the British Academy are both the profiles to determine their research grants a place I could really get my teeth into and for pretty high up on the list. with effect from 2009-10. It is vital not only for me that was the negotiations on the efforts to

October 2006 | Comment | International

Sino-British partnership Research colloquia

Prime Minister Tony Blair and commitment from the Higher the Chinese Prime Minister Education Innovation Fund Wen Jiabao held a joint press (HEIF 3) to commercialise conference at 10 Downing Street research with a number of on 13 September on closer Chinese participating institutions. collaboration between the two The Chinese Government is countries. One initiative unveiled providing a matching financial was a new technology innovation contribution through its Ministry partnership, Innovation China UK of Science and Technology in (ICUK), in which King’s will play partnership with the Chinese a key role. Ministry of Education. This new research and King’s has a broad number of knowledge transfer partnership collaborative research interests will fund and support UK and with Chinese institutions Chinese collaborators to develop ranging from developing new and commercialise their joint technologies for treatment of technology worldwide. diseases arising from natural King’s, along with its partners products, to pioneering Dr Richard Overill [pictured], Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, recently the University of Nottingham, metamorphic mechanisms gave a series of research colloquia in the Department of Informatics, Tsinghua University, the Royal Veterinary College and with potential manufacturing Beijing. While in China he was also able to take up an official invitation from the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province to spend a month at the Chan Wu Gong Fu Academy studying traditional the University of Southampton, applications, and multi-layer northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Chen style Tai Chi with Sifu (Master) Wang Xing Peng. and led by Queen Mary, mirror technologies. Projects of University of London, have this kind will receive a real boost received a £5 million funding from ICUK. MSc student commended Mental Health conference Dominic Turner

The Institute of Psychiatry’s third International Mental Health conference People on the Move, attracted speakers from the Institute and around the world. It focused on the consequences of displacement due to natural disaster and war, famine, changing land use, political oppression and civil conflict. Martin Prince, Professor of Epidemiological Psychiatry, commented: ‘The importance of MSc construction law student Cher Cheng Ng [centre right] is congratulated on winning the EC sharing best practice for better The fate of the growing numbers Harris prize by Mr Justice Ramsey [left]. mental health provision globally of displaced persons is a matter has never been more crucial. of international concern. Their On their recent study visit to This MSc programme, the Public health systems in low- vulnerability is recognised, but King’s, construction law students first joint degree at King’s, income countries are limited at their mental health needs are from Singapore on the King’s/ is taught by The Centre of the best of times when it comes not being met. Our conference National University of Singapore Construction Law at King’s with to mental health care and just provided the perfect platform (NUS) Joint MSc programme the Department of Building, cannot cope with the extra strain for this essential knowledge visited the Technology and NUS. All the teaching takes place in these complex emergencies. exchange.’ Construction Court in Fetter Lane. in Singapore except for a summer Mr Justice Ramsey presented visit to King’s between the first the annual EC Harris prize to and second years. Dental agreement signed Cher Cheng Ng, selected as Like students on the similar the best first-year student in London MSc, all are already A memorandum of understanding researchers over a number of 2006. He is a Singaporean civil professionally qualified as lawyers, has been signed between the years and will further promote engineer with a BEng (First Class engineers, quantity surveyors, Dental Institute and the Tohoku research collaboration in areas Honours) from NUS; he works as architects or project managers. University Graduate School of mutual interest such as the Senior Development Officer for They follow the programme of Dentistry in Japan. The basic biology of oral diseases and the Building and Construction part-time over two years, with agreement formalises links which the development of biologically Authority in Singapore, who also four taught modules and a final have been developed between active materials. sponsor him on the MSc. dissertation.

| Comment | October 2006 International

East Asian security

On 20 September, the Laughton arsenals in the region responsible Naval History Research Unit for Japan’s decision to opt for a invited Vice-Admiral Hideaki sophisticated defence posture Kaneda (retired), former featuring a missile defence system Commander in Chief of the designed to deter such threats. Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Vice-Admiral Kaneda pointed Fleet, to the Department of out that because Japan is an War Studies to deliver the first island nation its Maritime Self- Laughton Naval History Seminar Defence Force plays a central role of this academic year. in preserving national security. The sea-based component of the defensive shield is inherently A stark portrayal of flexible and thus well disposed Vice-Admiral Hideaki Kaneda delivers the first Laughton Naval History Seminar of this academic year. East Asian security to addressing a variety of threats. This in turn ensures it is a enjoys a close relationship with research in naval history and valuable instrument of deterrence former Ambassador Hisahiko encourage debate. A diverse Chaired by the Director of and key component in future Okazaki, an influential figure spectrum of themes, of historic the Unit, Professor Andrew Japanese diplomacy. in Japanese political circles and and contemporary interest, is Lambert, the presentation, Japan’s The well-attended event was reportedly ‘the brain’ of Japan’s addressed by this series. The perspective on Missile Defence: followed by a lively Q&A session next Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. speakers are drawn from a new Facing Realistic Missile Threats with penetrating questions from Following the success of generation of scholars in the from China and North Korea, postgraduate students, academics this inaugural seminar, the field and this series is designed provided a stark portrayal of East and experts. Vice-Admiral Kaneda Unit is sponsoring a series of as a platform to allow them Asian security. It highlighted also provided some insights on postgraduate seminars aiming to present original ideas in an the existence of robust missile Japan’s political future as he to present some of the latest informal environment.

Balkan summer school King’s welcomes Masai men In late August, under the direction Liaison Officer in Kosovo. elizabeth horn of Jane Sharp, the Centre for Lecturers included scholars Defence Studies (CDS), in and practitioners presenting partnership with the British on topics such as: The Rule of Office in Pristina (Kosovo), ran Law (Zoran Pajic); Coping with a summer school for advisors Transnational Crime (Lindsay and analysts in Vushtri, north Clutterbuck); Parliamentary of Pristina. Oversight of Defence Policy (John The purpose was to help a Roper); Understanding Putin’s target group of young leaders Russia (Janet Gunn); European examine and analyse issues Security Organisations (Jackie of relevance to national Gower); Strategies for Defusing security policymaking as Kosovo Cultural Tension (Simon Mundy); approaches independence. Terrorism and Counter-terrorism A group of eight Masai Mara warriors who had never left the Mara before recently stayed at King’s Hampstead Residence for five days. They were in the UK to raise funds for the Sereolipi Nomadic The school built on a distance (Peter Neumann); Police Reform Education Trust to buy an ambulance for their village. While in London they took part in two very learning programme, devised by (Annika Hansen); The Transfer of successful fund-raising events during which they wore their tribal costumes complete with spears CDS Director Dr Peter Neumann Power: Lessons from East Timor and knives. Susan James, Site Services & Residence Manager at Hampstead, commented: ‘It brought some excitement to the quiet residential streets of Hampstead to see the warriors and project coordinator David and the Balkans (Richard Caplan); standing by the side of the road in full ceremonial clothing, awaiting their taxi each morning. It was Ucko, which ran in Pristina from and Minority Rights (Marc Weller). clearly a surprise to the parents dropping their toddlers off at the local nursery, as well.’ May until August, under the The Centre has been asked to direction of Lieutenant Colonel deliver a similar project in the Philip Cox, the British Military new year. Human rights conference

In July, Professor Robert Outgames. The conference, South Korean forum Wintemute, School of Law, held in Montréal and offering completed more than two years around 200 workshops to 1,500 Anthea Tinker, Professor of policy forum on Low Fertility work as Co-President of the participants from more than Social Gerontology, School of and an Ageing Society in Seoul in Scientific Committee of the 100 countries, was opened by Social Science & Public Policy, September. largest International Conference Louise Arbour, United Nations was one of 12 experts invited She spoke about the lessons for on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and High Commissioner for Human by the President of South Korea South Korea of housing policies Transgender Human Rights, Rights, and closed by Martina to speak at an international in the UK. presented by the 1st World Navratilova.

October 2006 | Comment | Focus The Randall Division The Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics carries forward the tradition of Biophysics at King’s established by Sir John Randall in 1946, which produced the Nobel Prize-winning studies of the structure of DNA by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins in the early 1950s.

kate kirwan uch of this early work was supported by the Medical Research MCouncil, which still provides about half of the Division’s total research income of £11.5 million. Current research in the Randall is at the interface between the health, biomedical and physical sciences, developing new techniques for application in biology and medicine. The Randall’s Director is Professor Malcolm Irving FRS FKC, who joined the MRC Cell Biophysics Unit at King’s in 1982. The Division occupies new laboratories on the third floor of New Hunt’s House on the Guy’s Campus. About 120 staff and postgraduate students work in six research groups: Muscle Biophysics; Cell Motility & Cytoskeleton; Muscle Signalling & Development; Cell Imaging; Structural Biology, and Allergy & Asthma, with many cross-group collaborations From left: Professor Brian Sutton, Professor Tony Ng and Professor Mathias Gautel, set against a background of scientific images taken and shared facilities. Randall staff contribute in the Randall Division. to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, ‘Titin comes into play before we even take Allergy mainly through co-membership of the our first breath,’ Professor Gautel points out. Brian Sutton, Professor of Molecular Department of Biochemistry and also to pre- ‘We need it to make the heart muscle work Biophysics, leads the IgE research programme clinical teaching in the School of Medicine. efficiently while in the womb and beyond. within the Randall Division, part of the It might not exactly be the key to life but it recently established MRC & Asthma UK Interdisciplinary certainly keeps the lock well oiled.’ Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma. ‘Our research has a strong interdisciplinary ‘IgE is the antibody associated with all flavour,’ Professor Irving says. ‘We have joint Dimbleby Chair allergic conditions, from seasonal hay appointments and extensive collaborations Tony Ng, who was appointed to the Richard fever to food allergies and severe asthma,’ with the divisions of Asthma, Allergy & Lung Dimbleby Chair of Cancer Research in Professor Sutton says. Biology; Cancer Studies; Cardiovascular, and November 2004, has been working on cancer ‘My group determined the three- Developmental Neurobiology. We contribute cell motility and imaging. ‘Malignant cancers dimensional structure of IgE by X-ray expertise in molecular and cell biology, kill people primarily because they invade crystallography, and this has since led to molecular structure, and molecular cell and spread (metastasise) to distant organs,’ new approaches to design inhibitors of imaging to these and other areas of research Professor Ng explains. ‘Advances in surgical IgE that prevent it from triggering allergic in the Health Schools.’ techniques mean that tumours arise in reactions. Among the Randall’s interdisciplinary relatively few places from which they cannot ‘In collaboration with Professor Hannah research projects is that of Professor Mathias be excised successfully. However, should the Gould, I am seeking to understand and Gautel (also a member of the Cardiovascular cancer spread before the operation, then the even visualise (using ultra-high resolution Division) with the European Molecular patient’s outlook is substantially poorer than it microscopy techniques being developed Biology Laboratory in Hamburg, which has would be if the tumour remained localised. at the Randall by Dr Rainer Heintzmann) shed new light on the inner workings of the ‘The chief focus of my group has been on the recombination events in the DNA of muscle proteins on the control of muscle how to utilise our current understanding of the antibody-producing cells that causes them development. molecular mechanisms that control cancer cell to switch to making potentially harmful In a paper published in Nature earlier spread, in order to design specific targeting IgE rather than normal protective antibodies.’ this year Professor Gautel described the approaches, using chemical compounds Research in the Randall Division complicated molecular acrobatics which create or gene-based therapeutic approaches.’ illustrates the effectiveness of broad-based anchor posts for the muscle ‘piston packs’ or Because of the multidisciplinary nature of collaborations between physical scientists, sarcomeres. Part of this process involves a vital his research, Professor Ng collaborates with molecular and cell biologists and clinical ‘muscle marshall’ called titin becoming inter- mathematicians, physicists, chemists and scientists in creating new approaches to locked with another protein called telethonin. clinical oncologists. medical therapy.

10 | Comment | October 2006 Flashback Alumni from the Archives A recent exhibition by Katie Mooney of the College’s Archives staff featured some of the more quirky, famous and notorious people who have studied at King’s and its incorporated institutions.

Fougasse (Cartoonist and journal editor) before embarking on a tour of his one-man a course in elementary physics at King’s in (Cyril) Kenneth Bird (1887-1965) studied show. Crisp can be found under his original 1871-2. His tutor complained about the way engineering at King’s between 1904 and name in the College Calendar for 1927-8. the King’s students ‘whistled incessantly’, 1908. Bird began to draw cartoons for Punch but the Prince described the College as ‘a in 1916 under the pseudonym Fougasse, and James Barry (Medical officer) nest of blackbirds’. He served as an officer is well known for his work for the Ministry of James Barry (c1799-1865) was probably in the British Army and volunteered for the Information during World War II, including baptised as Margaret. From the age of ten British expedition to Zululand. While out on the series of ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’ Barry dressed and presented herself as a reconnaissance he was speared to death. His posters which imagined Hitler listening in man, but the woman who laid out her corpse death sent shock waves throughout Europe to conversations on British buses and other declared that Barry was female. In 1812 because he was the last dynastic hope for the places. Bird was an active member of the Barry became a pupil dresser at St Thomas’ restoration of the Bonaparte family to the College Engineering Society and provided Hospital, half a century before women could throne of France. charming drawings of Reggie, the College openly qualify as doctors. S/he became an mascot, for Engineering Society and other Army medical officer and was Thomas Neill Cream (Poisoner) College events. posted around the world. In Cream (1850-92) first studied 1826 Barry performed a medicine in Canada and then at Quentin Crisp (Writer, model and successful caesarean St Thomas’ Hospital Medical raconteur) section in Cape Town, School from 1876 to 1878. Crisp (1908-99) was born Denis Charles Pratt seven years before His wife (whom he had and studied journalism at King’s between this operation was married in a shotgun 1926 and 1928. He failed to complete his successfully carried wedding before coming final year and drifted into life as a prostitute. out in Britain. The to London) died in In 1931 he changed his name to Quentin Archives have a suspicious circumstances Crisp, alluding to the care he took with his register with Barry’s in 1877, having taken appearance. In the 1970s he became a gay icon signature showing medicine that he had after the publication of his memoir The Naked attendance at sent her. After practising Civil Servant, which expressed his defiant anatomy lectures as a doctor in London, exhibitionism and long-standing refusal to at St Thomas’ Ontario and Chicago, in conceal his homosexuality. In 1981 he moved Hospital in 1812. 1892 Cream was charged to New York. He died in 1999 in Britain just and found guilty of the Greer Garson (Film murder of three prostitutes actress) in London and the Eileen Evelyn Greer attempted murder of Louisa Garson (1904-96) studied Harris. He was hanged on 15 at King’s from 1923 to 1926, November 1892. after her mother refused her A photograph of Thomas Neill Cream recently permission to apply for RADA. An discovered in the College Archives. Ref: TH/PH8/17. academic career seemed likely until she began acting in amateur productions while studying William Schwenck Gilbert (Dramatist and at the University of Grenoble. Garson’s librettist) starring roles included those in Pride and Gilbert (1836-1911), the ‘words’ half of Prejudice and Mrs Miniver. She received seven Gilbert and Sullivan, studied at King’s from Oscar nominations and was awarded a CBE 1853 to 1857. He began to collaborate with in 1993. the composer Arthur Sullivan in the late Also famous on the screen a little earlier 1870s on a string of successful operettas than Garson was Boris Karloff (1887-1969, including HMS Pinafore, The Mikado and born William Henry Pratt), who studied for the The Yeoman of the Guard. consular service at King’s in 1906 and went on While at King’s he helped to temporarily to achieve fame as the Monster in the 1931 change the College Engineering Society film ofFrankenstein . into a ‘Shakespearean Reading and Dramatic Society’. The Society’s minute book shows Napoleon IV (Prince Imperial) the meeting in October 1855 where the Eugène Louis John Joseph Napoléon decision was made to change its name. Cartoon by Kenneth Bird (‘Fougasse’) for the menu of the (1856-79) was exiled to England from France For more information about the College College’s 100th anniversary dinner in 1928. Ref: K/CEN. with other members of his family and took Archives visit: www.kcl.ac.uk/archives

October 2006 | Comment | 11 King’s people

Awards Fellows Fellow of the British Academy In May a Graduation Ceremony was held at the Joint Services Command Staff College, Shrivenham (where the Defence Studies Department is based) and in July six took place at the Barbican Centre. More than 2,400 students from across the College took part. Chairman of Council, Baroness Rawlings, and the Principal, Professor Rick Trainor, also awarded seven Fellowships and one Honourary Fellowship. Fellowships all photos by Ede and Ravenscroft

Avshalom Caspi, Professor of Ms Brigid Brown, Treasurer/Secretary of the Professor Adrian Hayday, Head of the Professor Malcolm Irving FRS, Director, Friends of King’s Association (USA) since Division of Immunology Infection and Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Personality Development at the 1998. Inflammatory Diseases, and Kay Glendinning Biophysics, and Professor of Biophysics. Institute of Psychiatry, is one of 34 Professor of Immunobiology. academics who have been awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and the social sciences. British Academy Fellowships are awarded to scholars who have ‘attained distinction in any of the branches of study which it is the object of the Academy to promote’. Professor Caspi, a member of the MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Professor Noreen Murray, Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Till, former student and His Honour Judge Toulmin, a member of Centre, is internationally Professor of Molecular Genetics, University Dean of Academic Studies, Defence Studies College Council since 1997. renowned for his research, of Edinburgh, a graduate of the College and Department. perhaps best known for his loyal supporter of King’s. Honourary Fellowship work on factors relating to the development of antisocial behaviour in adolescents. ‘This is a terrific honour,’ says Professor Caspi. ‘I believe that I am, in fact, the fifth member of the Centre to be awarded an FBA. We have a very exciting department that is unique in bringing together social and behavioural scientists with medical scientists.’ In March, Professor Caspi was awarded a prestigious Royal Professor Nairn Wilson, Dean and Head The College’s coat of arms. Sir William Castell, Chairman of the Board of Society Wolfson Research Merit of the Dental Institute and Professor of Governors of The Wellcome Trust. Award for further research into Restorative Dentistry. genetics and stress.

12 | Comment | October 2006 King’s people

Research Unit at King’s, Dr Rubin His research focus is towards Top environmental prize has devised a simple experiment adoptive cell therapy using to show that electrosensitivity CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells Professor Michael Redclift is – in which people in contact as individualised medicine to the world’s first recipient with weak electromagnetic promote clinical transplantation of the Frederick H Buttel fields report discomfort – is not a tolerance. He is the recipient International Award for physiological problem but rather a of a Basic Science Research Distinguished Scholarship in psychological one. Fellowship from the British Heart Environmental Sociology. Dr Rubin exposed people Foundation. The award, new from the who reported sensitivity to International Sociological mobile phone signals to a device Harold Johns Medal Association, aims to recognise with a pulsing mobile phone ‘distinguished scholarship in signal, a non-pulsing signal or environmental sociology’. After no signal. Volunteers reported an extensive selection procedure, severe symptoms in all three Michael Redclift, Professor of cases, lending weight to the International Environmental psychological explanation for Policy, was elected as the the phenomenon. inaugural winner of the first His findings demonstrated Frederick H Buttel Award. Frederick Buttel was an that innocuous exposures can Arthur Mol, President of eminent American sociologist produce a ‘reverse placebo effect’ the Research Committee on who died last year after devoting and received widespread media Environment and Society, much of his professional life, coverage. International Sociological at Cornell University and the He now has funding to Association, said that Professor University of Wisconsin, to the replicate and extend his work to Redclift was a well-deserved development of international test whether a similar explanation winner from a strong set of environmental policy. of his results has beneficial effects candidates. Professor Redclift has for his original volunteers. He On hearing that he had won undertaken research in Spain, would also like to look at whether Professor Redclift commented: Latin America and the UK. treatments such as cognitive An international award which ‘Fred Buttel was a pioneer in a His research interests include behavioural therapy can help recognises scientists who have relatively new and increasingly sustainable development, people with the symptoms they distinguished themselves through important field of the social global environmental change, experience. excellence in teaching and sciences – international environmental security and In July Dr Rubin was the international education leadership environmental policy. I am the modern food system. He winner of the Young Researcher has been presented to King’s honoured to be given this was the first Director of the of the Year in the College’s academic Dr Slavik Tabakov. The recognition in his name, as he Global Environmental Change Annual Award Scheme. award, which is made triennially, was a good friend, a great scholar programme of the ESRC The Times Higher Awards were has never before been given to a and an innovative scientist.’ between 1990 and 1995. established last year to reward UK scientist. the huge contribution British At the World Congress in universities make to the economic Medical Physics and Biomedical Shortlisted for THES Award A lecturer in Psychological and cultural health of the country. Engineering, held recently, Dr James Rubin, an outstanding Medicine at the Institute The award ceremony will take the International Organisation young academic who was awarded of Psychiatry, Dr Rubin has place on 15 November. for Medical Physics (IOMP) his PhD just two years ago, has unravelled the mystery behind presented its Harold Johns Medal been shortlisted for the Young why some people report painful Young Investigator Award to Dr Slavik Tabakov, Director of Researcher of the Year Award symptoms when they use a Shuiping Jiang was recently the MSc Programme for Medical in the prestigious Times Higher mobile phone. presented with a Young Engineering and Physics, School Awards. Working at the Mobile Phones Investigator Award and a cheque of Medicine.

Naresh Verlander for $1,000 by The American ‘I am delighted to have been Society of Transplantation, The awarded the Harold Johns Medal. American Society of Transplant It reflects the continuing strong Surgeons and The International focus and leading position of Transplantation Society at the the Department of Medical World Transplant Congress 2006 Engineering and Physics on in Boston. education and training in medical These annual awards recognise physics and clinical engineering,’ young professionals (under the comments Dr Tabakov. age of 40) working in the field of Dr Tabakov has developed organ transplantation. and led six international projects Shuiping is a Research Fellow in in Medical Physics Education Vice-Principal (Health) Professor and Training, which were Robert Lechler’s group in the instrumental in the introduction Department of Nephrology & of e-Learning in Medical Physics. Transplantation. The results of these projects are

October 2006 | Comment | 13 King’s people

now used globally and King’s now has a leading role in this field. Director of Graduate School Appointments

Dr Tabakov has also taken an Greg Funnell Chief Information Officer active role in the organisation and On 1 September Professor Karen Stanton has been appointed delivery of more than 50 Medical Vaughan Robinson took up his as Chief Information Officer Physics courses around the world. appointment as the first Director and College Librarian. In these [Find out more about the MSc on of the Graduate School. He joins roles, she will have responsibility page 19.] the College from the University for Information Services and of Swansea where he played a Systems, and Management Quality Practice Award leading role in establishing and Information Systems. King’s Health Centre has been running their Graduate School. Karen is currently Chief awarded a Quality Practice He was also Head of Quality for Information Officer at the Award from the Royal College of the School. University of Nottingham, where General Practitioners. The Graduate School, she is responsible for over 400 staff. This is the first time a student established in September 2005, At Nottingham she successfully health centre has attained this will co-ordinate all aspects of led the convergence of Library award in the UK. There are postgraduate provision in the Services and IT into a single currently 10,000 practices in University and ensure that directorate, and recently the UK and King’s is the 80th to the needs of postgraduates are established the library and IT achieve this status. heard at all levels of decision- his new role are: enhancing infrastructure of the university’s ‘This award reflects the making. It will also ensure that the marketing, recruitment international campuses in contribution and commitment of good practice is identified, and admissions strategies Malaysia and China. the staff who work together as a disseminated and rewarded. for postgraduate (research) Karen has also previously team to provide this service to the Professor Robinson students; and expanding held senior positions in College,’ said Dr Derek Chase, comments: ‘I am delighted and developing the training the Information Services principal GP and lead practitioner. to have been offered the provision. directorates of Sheffield Hallam The Health Centre is an opportunity to contribute He continues: ‘We want the University and the University of NHS practice, which provides to King’s drive to become a Graduate School to support all Birmingham. She will take up healthcare for College students world-class university. There those in the College involved her post at King’s at the beginning and staff. is already much good practice in postgraduate education: of 2007. The Royal College of General across the Schools and we now students, supervisors, and The Principal, Professor Rick Practitioners is the academic need to build on this to achieve administrators alike. Our job is Trainor, commented: ‘I am organisation in the UK for consistent and guaranteed to make it easier for all to excel, delighted to welcome Karen to general practitioners. Its aim is excellence. I am looking forward without over-regulation.’ King’s. She has an outstanding to encourage and maintain the to being the catalyst for this Vaughan Robinson, DPhil, record in her field and I look highest standards of general process and building up a team MA, read Geography at forward to working closely with medical practice and act as the of people to implement our Oxford before joining Swansea her and building on the strong voice of general practitioners ambitious goals.’ University in 1982 as a Lecturer. record of achievement in ISS at on education, training and The two immediate priorities In 2003 he was appointed King’s. I would also like to take standards issues. for Professor Robinson in Professor of Human Geography. this opportunity to pay tribute to Patricia Methven who has Lambeth Degrees managed the directorate so well The Archbishop of Canterbury, 40 years’ contribution to church Jean Monnet Chair in an acting capacity over the Dr Rowan Williams, recently music through conducting, Law Professor Sir Francis Jacobs past months.’ presided over a Lambeth Degree performing, running the choir of was recently awarded the Jean ceremony in Lambeth Palace King’s and training organ scholars Monnet Chair ad personam. Honorary Professor Chapel where he awarded seven and clergy in liturgical singing. This is a symbolic term Lord Harries of Pentregarth, former degrees, including one to former Mr Warrell was a professional corresponding to a full-time Bishop of Oxford and past Dean College organist and Director church musician for nearly 70 teaching post in the field of of King’s and interim Chairman of the King’s College Choir and years and spent much of his European integration studies. of the Human Fertilisation and King’s Fellow Ernie Warrell. career at King’s and within the Funded by the European Embryology Authority, has been Mr Warrell was awarded the Diocese of Southwark. He joined Commission, the ad personam appointed as King’s first Honorary degree in recognition of over King’s as a Lecturer in Music in is awarded to professors Professor of Theology. He will 1953. (He retired in 1991.) showing evidence of European give occasional lectures and The Lambeth Degree is an commitment recognised by the undertake research. academic award. Candidates are academic world at both national Lord Harries retired as Bishop exempt from both residential and international levels. of Oxford on 2 June 2006 after and examination requirements Sir Francis, a former Advocate 19 years in office. He was made and the awards are made on General of the European Court a Life Peer upon retirement and merit in recognition of recipients of Justice of the European sits as a cross-bencher. contribution to religious, academic Committee and a member of Before that he had been Dean and public life. Lambeth Degrees the Privy Council, has recently of King’s since 1981, and was the can be awarded in Divinity, joined the team of professors first Dean after the re-merger of Law, Arts, Literature, Medicine teaching the LLM in European the Theology Faculty with the and Music. Law at King’s. rest of the College and the end

14 | Comment | October 2006 King’s people

frank blackwell, oxford diocesan publications ltd Promotions Listed below are details of promotions across all Schools, effective from 1 September 2006.

Promotion to Professor Dr Anne Goldgar, Reader in Early Dr Adam Hasan, Periodontology & Dr David Armstrong, Professor of Modern History Preventive Dentistry Medicine & Sociology Dr David Green, Reader in Human Mrs Jane Henderson, School of Law of the provision of training for the Dr Richard Brown, Professor in Geography Dr Susan Howell, St John’s Anglican priesthood. As a result, Neuropsychology & Clinical Dr Catherine Hawrylowicz, Reader Institute of Dermatology he was responsible for forging Neuroscience in Asthma, Allergy & Respiratory Dr Guo Cai Huang, Division of the new role of the Dean in the Dr Arthur Burns, Professor of Science Diabetes, Endocrinology & contemporary life of King’s Modern British History Dr Saul Kelly, Reader in Internal Medicine today. He was elected a Fellow Dr Diana Coben, Professor of Adult International History Dr Ian Kinchin, King’s Institute of of King’s in 1983. Numeracy Dr Richard Kirkland, Reader in Learning & Teaching Lord Harries says of his new Dr Christopher Corrigan, Professor Irish Literature Dr John Lavagnino, Centre for appointment: ‘I am delighted of Asthma, Allergy & Respiratory Dr Morven Leese, Reader in Computing in the Humanities to be reconnected to King’s Science Medical Statistics Mr Simon Lygo-Baker, King’s and look forward to being part Dr Theo Farrell, Professor of War Dr Bruce Malamud, Reader in Institute of Learning & Teaching of its distinguished Theology in the Modern World Natural & Environmental Dr Francesco Mannocci, Department.’ Dr Patrick Ffrench, Professor of Hazards Conservative Dentistry French Dr Paul McCrone, Reader in Dr Ian McBride, Department of Dr Michael Hurley, Professor of Health Economics History Farewell Physiotherapy Dr Paul Mitchell, Reader in Law Dr Matthew Morrissey, Dr Veena Kumari, Professor in Dr Carla Molteni, Reader in Department of Physiotherapy Becky Williams Experimental Psychology Physics Dr Mohammad Nakhai, Department Dr Nikolaos Mavromatos, Professor Dr Vanessa Munro, Reader in Law of Electronic Engineering of Theoretical Physics Dr Mark Pelling, Reader in Human Dr Rebecca Oakey, Department of Dr Andrew McKie, Professor of Iron Geography Medical & Molecular Genetics Metabolism Dr Martyn Sherriff, Reader in Dr Barry Panaretou, Department Dr George Papadopoulos, Professor Dental Materials Science of Biochemistry of Theoretical Physics Dr Ishtla Singh, Reader in English Dr George Papadakis, Department Dr John Rees, Professor of Language & Linguistics of Mechanical Engineering Medical Education Dr Alberto Smith, Reader in Dr Stewart Paterson, Department Dr Ulrike Schmidt, Professor in Vascular Science of Pharmacology & Therapeutics Eating Disorders Dr Nicholas Thomas, Reader in Dr Stephen Pratten, Department Dr Mahvash Tavassoli, Professor of Haematological Oncology of Management Molecular Oncology Dr Mike Raco, Department of Dr Christopher Winch, Professor Promotion to Senior Lecturer Geography of Educational Philosophy & Dr Kasper Althoefer, Department Dr Richard Samuels, Department Policy of Mechanical Engineering of Philosophy Dr Tanya Aplin, School of Law Dr Kim Soin, Department of Becky Williams, Director of Promotion to Reader Dr Louise Barriball, Primary & Management Development, has left King’s to Dr Christopher Abbott, Reader in Intermediate Care Dr Jane Sturges, Department of join the Tate as Development E-Inclusion Dr Mark Betz, Film Studies Management Director. Dr Peter Adamson, Reader in Programme Dr Alexander Türk, School of Law Becky spent eight years at Philosophy Dr Hugh Bowden, Classics Dr Steven Wainwright, Florence King’s where she was responsible Dr Jennifer Beecham, Reader in Department Nightingale School of Nursing for the College’s most successful Mental Health Economics Dr Robert Brooks, Department of & Midwifery capital campaign, which raised Dr Anthony Cleare, Reader in Anatomy & Human Sciences Dr Mary Webb, Department of over £40 million. Affective Disorders Dr Alison Cave, Department of Education & Professional Studies Plans are underway to launch Dr Philip Eaton, Reader in Cardiology Dr Claire White, Department of a more ambitious campaign and Cardiovascular Chemical Biology Dr Colin Cooper, Department of Physiotherapy the College is in the process Dr Anthony Edwards, Reader in Computer Science Dr Wuding Zhou, Department of of recruiting a Development International Human Resource Dr Barbara Daniel, Department Nephrology & Transplantation Director. Management of Forensic Science & Drug ‘We are very sorry to lose such Dr Robyn Fairman, Reader in Risk Monitoring This information was supplied an outstanding colleague but Management Mr Justin Dillon, Department of by the Personnel and Training she leaves for one of the most Dr Michael Fenlon, Reader in Education & Professional Studies Department. prestigious fundraising jobs in the Prosthodontics Dr Peter Duncan, Department of UK and this reflects the College’s Dr Maribel Fernandez, Reader in Education & Professional Studies excellent reputation in this field,’ Computer Science Dr Elaine Gill, Medical Education commented Caroline Usher, Director, External Relations.

October 2006 | Comment | 15 Around the College

Time Team: the Windsor dig

Over the August Bank Holiday minority government of Henry the Channel 4 archaeological III, but all signs above ground had series, Time Team, was allowed vanished. access to three royal residences: ‘Time for the investigations was Buckingham Palace, Holyrood short,’ said Professor Carpenter. and Windsor Castle. David ‘The trenches were not opened Carpenter, Professor of Medieval until Saturday morning and History, was involved with the they had to be closed the Windsor dig. following Tuesday. Despite At Windsor the objective was these constraints the dig was a twofold: in the upper ward, it was success and both objectives were to find evidence for the Round achieved. Two major reports will Table, the circular structure built be published which will transform by Edward III in the 1340s to all future writing about the house a new chivalric order of 300 medieval castle. knights. In the lower ward, the ‘My role was to help put the aim was to discover evidence for dig in its historical context. I also and nature of the Great Hall. the documents suggested they the Great Hall. Records showed became increasingly involved in In the end, a trench, opened should be – a good example of that in 1223 this had been rebuilt checking through documentary on the last day, revealed the how the disciplines of history and on earlier foundations by the evidence for the whereabouts foundations of the Hall just where archaeology work together.’ New memorial sculpture Nursing reconsidered

Professor Sioban Nelson, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, recently gave the (Nursing & Midwifery) Dean’s Lecture at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, titled The Complexities of Care: nursing reconsidered. She challenged nurses to abandon Professor Sioban Nelson, Dean of the Faculty of images of hearts and angels, and Nursing, University of Toronto. argued that they need to learn to think and talk about their patient care and to frankly knowledge and work in more confront the impact of this on accurate and helpful ways. She nursing practice. The lecture also called on nurses to openly also asserted the importance of address the way healthcare cost- nurses’ work and the need to cutting has radically transformed communicate this. Know No Limits visit

Seventy Year 11 students from 15 and 16, listened to a number 22 schools across Southwark of talks and met King’s students and Lambeth attended a two- and also individuals who have day ‘Know No Limits’ visit experienced psychiatric problems. to the Institute of Psychiatry Professor Ian Campbell, Sub in September, designed to Dean of the Institute and one encourage them to consider of the organisers of the visit, higher education. commented: ‘We are aware that A parallel aim was to enable these young people are all in their students to gain greater insight last year of GCSEs and will soon The recently installed Children’s Memorial Sculpture, located outside the Henrietta Raphael into what happens in their local be making crucial decisions about Building, Guy’s Campus was commissioned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity three years ago. It mental health trust and dispel any which subjects to study at A level. provides a space for contemplation and remembrance. Artist, Carol Misch designed a granite circle, in the centre of which sit three glass columns, each the size of a child, facing one another, misconceptions they might have We hope that in the future some and each with a broken edge and a DNA spiral running through the centre, the symbol of eternal about people living with a mental of the students will pursue careers life. The sculpture is lit from beneath at night to allow for people to visit the site at any time. illness. The pupils, aged between in mental health.’

16 | Comment | October 2006 Around the College

University Prelude summer school Pete Millson British Airways London Eye), I also loved being part of the and a debate on ‘Opera is an debate and putting forward my Elitist Art Form Past its Sell-by arguments.’ Date’ judged by Dr Jonathan King’s collaboration with Garton, Department of Law, the Royal Opera House began and Dr Ruth Adams, Cultural in 2004. Since then ROH and Creative Industries. The Education and King’s Marketing academics involved were all Department’s Widening impressed with the standards Participation Office have worked of enquiry and debate. together on numerous events and activities for children, young people and teachers. ‘A very useful insight This summer school was part of into life at King’s’ the Marketing-funded Gifted and Talented Programme, collaborative events run by The highlight of the students’ Undergraduate Marketing and time in Covent Garden was a Widening Participation. Other performance of Turandot, where activities in this programme they were joined by Professor included a teachers’ seminar and Keith Hoggart, Vice-Principal two ‘University for a Day’ events. (Arts & Sciences), and other King’s The Marketing Department staff and students. has devised this new programme A-level students from London work and play in the life of a The students were specifically to improve King’s schools and colleges experienced Humanities undergraduate, enthusiastic about their profile amongst, and attract a range of activities in a with a wide range of activities, experience. One commented: applications from, the cohort of ‘University Prelude’ summer including a lecture from Dr Tony ‘They [the student ambassadors] state school and college students school held at the Strand Campus Edwards, Department of Business have given me a very useful who are gifted and talented. The and the Royal Opera House Management, a topical reflection insight into life at King’s and aim is to recruit a greater number (ROH). on 14 July from Dr John Stuart, course options. The opera was of students from groups under- At King’s they tasted both Department of History (aloft the magnificent and breathtaking. represented in higher education.

Knife crime: new report Three Campus walks cecilia cockburn The Government lacks a coherent the number of victims and the evidence-based strategy for harm they suffer, we should look dealing with knife carrying and at the root causes – the inclination knife-related offences, according or desire to resort to violence.’ to a new report published by the Richard Garside, CCJS Acting Centre for Crime and Justice Director, added: ‘Knives are but Studies (CCJS), an independent one means by which people charity based at King’s. assault and injure one another. We The report, Knife Crime: need to address why individuals Ineffective reactions to a distracting get into violent confrontations problem? A review of evidence and with each other, and not simply policy, says that there is a lack of fixate on the weapons they use.’ knowledge about the carrying and Enver Solomon, CCJS Deputy use of knives and the motivations Director, discussed the report for this behaviour. Furthermore, on Radio 4’s Today programme. there is insufficient evidence Their research was the lead story that a knife amnesty or harsher in The Times and was covered by sentences for carrying knives all the national newspapers. Chris and knife-related offences will Eades was interviewed by the decrease the level of knife use BBC, Channel 5, and Sky for their and carrying. news programmes and spoke to a Martin Harvey, Site Services Manager (Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo Campuses) and London Report author, Chris Eades, variety of national and local radio Blue Badge Guide, provides staff with some fascinating historical stories on one of the three CCJS Policy and Information stations including Radio 5 Live, recent Three Campus walks between the Strand, Waterloo and Guy’s Campuses. More than 120 Officer, said: ‘If the goal of BBC Radio Wales and the BBC staff took part in these popular events which provided the opportunity to meet new colleagues and learn something new about London’s history. criminal justice policy is to reduce Asian Network.

October 2006 | Comment | 17 Around the College

News in brief Air quality monitoring site email policy of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill On 14 June Academic Board Campus). approved a wide-ranging email policy. To promote awareness Guy’s and st Thomas’ Charity of this policy ISS recently ran Patrick Disney, has been a series of roadshows across the elected as the new Chairman College. Staff were encouraged of Guy’s and St Thomas’ to drop in to ask questions Charity, succeeding Sir Tim about the policy and attend Chessells, who stood down after short presentations outlining 10 years as Chairman at the end some of the main points of the of September. He has been a policy. The roadshows were well Trustee of the Charity since attended and all comments and February 2000 and is Managing issues raised will be fed back Director of SEI Investments for a policy review in June 2007. (Europe). He is also a member The policy can be found at: of College Council. www.kcl.ac.uk/college/policyzone/ attachments/emailpolicy.pdf exhibition: medicine embodied An exhibition entitled Medicine £90,000 worth of cabin and air monitoring equipment is safely lowered into position. health schools roadshows embodied is running in the Robert Lechler’s termly Weston Room, Maughan The envIrOnmenTal researCh counts of airborne particles and Campus roadshows about Library & Information Services Group recently took delivery automated measurements of strategic developments in Centre, Chancery Lane, until of London’s newest air quality black smoke. relation to research and Friday 15 December. Drawing monitoring site. The site is In response to recent teaching and also Campus- on a wealth of printed material funded by Transport for London research fi ndings the site will specifi c news will take place from the historical collection of and is located on the north take measurements to allow from 12.30-13.30 on the St Thomas’ Hospital (housed in approach to the Blackwall the quantifi cation of primary following dates: 17 november the Foyle Special Collections Tunnel. It is designed to detect emissions of NO2. New (Lecture Theatre G16, James Library since 2002), the changes in transport emissions automated techniques will also Clerk Maxwell Building, exhibition explores the complex as a consequence of changes in be used to measure the mass Waterloo Campus), 27 november history of man’s understanding London’s vehicle fl eet arising from concentration of PM10 and (Lecture Theatre 2, New of the relationship between the proposed Low Emission Zone. PM2.5 particulate. Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus) the body and medicine. Entry In addition to measuring The new site is part of a wider and 4 december (Wolfson to the exhibition is free for the statutory pollutants the programme which includes new Lecture Theatre, Institute College staff. monitoring site will make equipment at existing monitoring measurements that are especially sites along the North Circular, sensitive to changes in vehicle Woolwich Flyover and other parts emissions. These include of London’s trunk road network. Graduate Prospectus 2007

institutions worldwide. Bikeathon success There have been a number of improvements this year including a new design with a striking cover showing the view from Waterloo Bridge, more profi les of staff and students, an expanded contents spread making it easier to fi nd programmes of interest and mini-indexes at the start of each section. Staff can order boxes of the prospectus online by visiting www.kcl.ac.uk/staff /prosporders.html Copies are also available on receptions. Please email The GraduaTe PrOsPeCTus 2007 [email protected] For the second year running a team of cyclists [from left: Jamie Bell, simon lea, mark rosser has been printed, copies delivered with any feedback. The and richard magowan] from the Strand estates Department completed the London Bikeathon, raising £500 for Leukaemia research. Despite the extreme temperature richard Magowan, who to King’s and more than 3,000 prospectus was designed by organised the team, managed to set a pace that stretched the young apprentices. sent to relevant libraries and design agency Blast.

1 | Comment | October 2006 Around the College

The Big Draw naresh verlander

King’s Strand Campus and South Range Lecture Theatre. Somerset House were the joint This was followed by Big Draw venues hosting ‘Amazing Space’, patron and one of the UK’s best the national launch of this year’s known illustrators, Quentin Blake, Big Draw season celebrating presenting his experiences of drawing and architecture. Amazing Spaces. On Sunday 24 September The Chapel hosted the a programme of inspirational Elevating Spaces event led by activities explored the Peter Jarvis. Participants were extraordinary spaces of these invited to draw from observation buildings. Around 6,000 people in the splendour of this ornate attended the event and more than Victorian chapel. 1,600 took part in activities in In some of the other activities, King’s buildings. Four staff and Gerald Scarfe, Posy Simmonds, seven students gave their time on Zandra Rhodes, Michael the day to help ensure everything Foreman, and Andrew Logan ran smoothly. joined other top ‘drawers’ to World-renowned architect, contribute epic sketches to a giant Lord Norman Foster launched picture frame throughout the day. Children helped artist Steven Follen cover the Quad at the Strand Campus with designs and patterns one of the day’s first workshops The Big Draw – now in its reflecting what they had seen and enjoyed at the Big Draw. with a public talk, on his personal seventh year – is the annual everyone drawing and to prove passion. More than 1,000 Big experience of drawing and its role showpiece of The Campaign that drawing can be a public Draw events have taken place in his career, in the College’s new for Drawing, which aims to get activity as well as a private across the UK during October.

Partnership with breast MSc celebrates ten years cancer charity

King’s has recently been awarded a Knowledge Transfer Partnership award to work with leading cancer charity, Breast Cancer Care (BCC). Led by Dr Emma Ream and Professor Alison Richardson, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, the award from the Department of From left: Dr Emma Ream, Karen Scanlon, Research and Evaluation Manager at Breast Trade and Industry and BCC Cancer Care, and Professor Alison Richardson. will fund a graduate to explore potential barriers to people are delighted to have won this accessing the services provided prestigious award with King’s by Breast Cancer Care, especially and anticipate it will lead to This year King’s MSc programme in Medical Engineering & Physics, School of Medicine, among groups such as older further strategically important celebrates the graduation of its tenth cohort of students. Hospital trainees, students, lecturers and collaborators [some of whom are pictured here outside King’s College Hospital] have people, people from black and collaboration with the School of helped ensure that this course is the best of its kind in the UK and a model for others around minority ethnic groups and those Nursing & Midwifery.’ the world. The programme first welcomed students in 1993 and was one of the first MScs to from socially disadvantaged Knowledge Transfer be professionally accredited by the UK Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. This research-led Masters attracts high-calibre students – last year Nicola Fry (graduated in 2001) backgrounds who are not Partnerships is a national was joint winner of the Department of Health Award for ‘Young Healthcare Scientist of the Year’. currently fully utilising services programme that helps It has also won international acclaim for its innovative Medical Physics e-Learning materials in 2002, from the EU Commission in 2004 (Leonardo da Vinci Awards for excellence in vocational such as the helpline. It will also businesses, charities and other education and training), and recently the distinguished Harold Johns Medal was awarded to help identify possible methods organisations to improve their Programme Director Dr Slavik Tabakov [see page 13]. for increasing the reach of the effectiveness through accessing organisation. the skills and knowledge of The two-year partnership with higher education institutions. in the health sector with the with the Business Development King’s will enable the charity King’s has a successful track medical diagnostics company, Team at KCL Enterprises to to redress this balance with record of Knowledge Transfer Lein Applied Diagnostics Ltd initiate and successfully win expert academic input. Christine Partnerships in the engineering to develop diabetes monitoring these awards. Fogg, Chief Executive of Breast sector, and more recently has devices. Academics and partner For further information visit: Cancer Care, commented: ‘We built a successful partnership organisations have worked closely www.kcl.ac.uk/kcle/services/ktps/

October 2006 | Comment | 19 Media watch

Terrorist strategy Middle East crisis Ageing gracefully UN force Dr Peter Neumann, Director of As the situation between The subject of growing old Dr Rory Miller, Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Defence Studies, Lebanon and Israel intensified, gracefully and how much a woman’s Mediterranean Studies, spoke with commented on terrorist strategy Dr Ahron Bregman, Department appearance is bound to her identity, ABC Radio (Australia) on the issues and the parallels between of War Studies, was interviewed was discussed by MM McCabe, surrounding peacekeeping troops Operation Bojinka and the alleged on CNN and BBC Radio Professor of Ancient Philosophy, and from Muslim countries in enforcing airliner-bombing plot in The Times, Scotland about Israel’s strategy in Joan Bakewell on Woman’s Hour. the ceasefire in Lebanon. Dr Miller Independent on Sunday, The Age Lebanon. and Efraim Karsh, Professor of (Australia), The Washington Post Landis case Mediterranean Studies, have written and Wall Street Journal. He was War crime? and been featured in a number of interviewed by Channel 4, BBC News Professor David Cowan, Director articles on the Middle East for titles 24, Sky, CNN Europe, FOX (US), RTE James Gow, Professor of of the Drug Control Centre, including The New York Sun, The (Ireland) and Voice of America (US). International Peace and Security, commented on the Floyd Landis Jerusalem Post and the Irish Times. entered into a debate on the doping case to the New York Heat wave impact bombing of Qana on Channel 4 News Times. Professor Cowan explained Unhealthy breakfast in a feature discussing whether the the doping test for the journal Frank Kelly, Professor of incident was legitimate or should be Nature and for Forbes. Tom Sanders, Professor of Environmental Health, was viewed as a war crime. Nutrition & Dietetics, discussed interviewed in the Environmental The Shipman effect research in a report by Which? Research Group’s monitoring Climate change that found some breakfast control centre for BBC London Professor Irene Higginson, Head of cereals contain as much sugar News. Gary Fuller, ERG Air Professor Glenn McGregor, Director Palliative Care, was interviewed as chocolate bars, while others Quality Manager, discussed the of the Centre for Environmental on Radio 4 for a programme about can match fat levels found in a consequences of the summer Assessment, Management and how the Harold Shipman case has bacon roll. He was interviewed on smog and air pollution on BBC Policy, talked on the BBC Ten left many doctors reluctant to GMTV, Five Live, Ulster News City Hospital and BBC Radio O’Clock News about the potential administer palliative treatments. and Independent Radio News. London Drivetime. effects of global warming on our Professor Higginson explained that cities, and the importance of effective pain control can be much Communication Secret D-Day files keeping an eye on vulnerable more complicated for older patients. people in particular hotspots. Dr Brooke Rogers, King’s Centre for Patricia Methven, Acting Director Manic depression Risk Management, was interviewed of Information Services & Systems, Mozart the dramatist on GMTV about terrorism and discussed Sir Basil Lidell Hart on the Jan Scott, Professor of communication following the BBC One and Six O’Clock News after Dr Cliff Eisen, Department of Music, Psychological Treatments publication of a report on how newly released MI5 files implied he told the story of Mozart’s passion Research at the Institute of survivors and the families of the 7/7 had prior knowledge of plans for the for opera in an interview on Radio Psychiatry, was interviewed for a bombings were dealt with. invasion of France in the summer 3’s Twenty Minutes. He revealed how Radio 4 Case Notes special looking of 1944. opera influenced Mozart’s orchestral at manic depression, its different Student debt and chamber music, showing he was variants, current treatments, Afghanistan a dramatist in every genre. support groups and considerations Daryn McCombe, President of for mothers with manic KCLSU, spoke about student Michael Clarke, Professor of Cruising capital depression during pregnancy. debt on Sky News after a report Defence Studies, commented on found UK debt is double the the latest situation in Afghanistan Dr Mark Turner, Head of the Idea of a University European average. in interviews for BBC News, ITV Department of English, wrote News and Radio 4’s The World about the history of gay men Alison Wolf, Sir Roy Griffiths Obese mothers Tonight. He also wrote about the cruising for sex from St James’ Professor of Public Sector revolution in military affairs, Park in the 18th century to Management, was one of the Lucilla Poston, Professor of asymmetric war and the evolving Hampstead Heath today in an speakers in a panel discussing what Maternal and Fetal Health, was terror threat in articles for The article for The Observer. universities are for in the Radio 4 interviewed for Channel 4’s 30 Times, The Sunday Times and The series The Idea of a University. Minutes about her research which Guardian. Explosive comments shows that maternal obesity, Youth Justice Board diabetes and high-fat diets during Domesday online Peter Zimmerman, Professor of pregnancy can ‘pre-programme’ Science and Security, explained the Rob Allen, Director of the children to be overweight. Andrew Dr Steven Baxter, Lecturer in destructive power of a liquid bomb International Centre for Prison Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics, Medieval History, helped to compile on an aircraft to the New Scientist, Studies, was interviewed on also appeared in the programme. a feature in The Independent about Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Radio 4’s Today programme about the Domesday Book, which has been Independent. He was interviewed the Youth Justice Board which See www.kcl.ac.uk/headlines for made available online 920 years by CNN International, BBC World was set up to oversee the justice the latest media coverage or on after it was compiled. Dr Baxter and BBC News 24 on the subject. system for juveniles in England Campus noticeboards. Comment is was subsequently interviewed on He also spoke to Newsnight about and Wales. Mr Allen is stepping keen to know of any staff featured the subject for Sky News, Canadian types of missiles following North down from the board and had in the media, call ext 3202 or Radio and LBC. Korea’s tests. some criticisms of the system. email [email protected]

20 | Comment | October 2006 Research

Tackling MRSA Super-gentrifiers

Pharmacists at King’s have A new group of very wealthy Super-gentrifiers differ from discovered that the roots of professionals working in the the traditional banking and an African shrub possess anti- City of London are ‘super- stockbroking elites (who live bacterial properties that are gentrifying’ an already gentrified in Chelsea, St John’s Wood effective against the potentially inner London neighbourhood, and Notting Hill) and the fatal Methicillin-Resistant according to new research from super-wealthy international Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) King’s academics. bourgeoisie living in Mayfair, infection. Dr Loretta Lees, Reader in Park Lane and Kensington. In traditional medicine in Geography, and Tim Butler, Their values are more suburban; Ghana, the Paullinia pinnata plant Professor of Human Geography, most of the women (who were has been widely used by different say these ‘super-gentrifiers’ or once in similar high-flying communities for the treatment of MRSA infections are difficult ‘financifiers’ are slowly imposing careers to their husbands) wounds and other microbial to combat because the bacteria their mark on the neighbourhood give up work when they have infections. The team at King’s, involved have developed of Barnsbury in Islington, where children – in sharp contrast to which includes Kofi Annan and complete resistance to certain Tony Blair used to live. nearly every other gentrified Rita Dickson and is headed by antibiotics. Usually it is hospital Their investment in property area of London where both Professor Peter Houghton, tested patients with weakened immune in this expensive area is driven partners tend to work. They extracts of the root and found that systems who are most likely to by profits from the financial may have stronger ties to they were anti-bacterial and become infected. world’s inflated salaries and similar super-gentrified effective against certain strains of The researchers, from the bonuses. They are largely neighbourhoods like Brooklyn MRSA. In addition, they were Pharmacognosy Research Group, the product of Britain’s elite Heights in New York City. found to work as an antioxidant presented the work at the British education system, especially This new research was which could help in the body’s Pharmaceutical Conference in Oxbridge, and work in large reported in The Times, The healing process. Manchester in September. solicitors’ firms, the Inns of Court Independent and The Daily or investment banks in the City. Telegraph. Older fathers and autism World female prisoner Children of men age 40 and older have a significantly increased risk of having autism spectrum numbers disorders compared with those whose fathers are younger than More than half a million women 30, according to research by and girls are held in prisons Dr Abraham Reichenberg, of throughout the world according the Institute of Psychiatry and to the first World Female published in the Archives of Imprisonment List, published General Psychiatry. by the International Centre for Autism is characterised Prison Studies at King’s. by social and language The study provides information abnormalities and repetitive for 187 countries on the female patterns of behaviour. Autism prison population and the and autism spectrum disorders percentage of the total prison have become increasingly socio-economic status and the numbers they comprise. common, affecting 50 in every mother’s age. Older age among It shows that about a third of locked up in England and Wales 10,000 children compared with mothers was not associated with these women are in the USA constitutes 5.7 per cent of the five in 10,000 two decades ago. autism after researchers factored (183,000) and a further third total prison population – a higher Dr Reichenberg and his in the effect of the father’s age. in China (71,280), the Russian percentage than in Scotland or in colleagues analysed the draft ‘Although further work Federation (55,400) and Thailand Northern Ireland and well above board records of children born is necessary to confirm this (28,450). No other country reports the European average. during the 1980s in Israel. This interpretation, we believe that our a female prison population as high Rob Allen, Director of the included information on their study provides the first convincing as 15,000. International Centre for Prison psychiatric health and the ages evidence that advanced paternal Female prisoners generally Studies, comments: ‘Given the of their parents. The researchers age is a risk factor for autism constitute between two and high financial and social cost of found that the risk of autism or spectrum disorder,’ commented nine per cent of the total prison imprisoning women, the data related conditions was six times Dr Reichenberg. population. The few exceptions should prompt policymakers in greater in children of men age 40 The research was the lead story include Hong Kong (China) with every country to consider what and older compared with those in The Times and covered in nearly 22 per cent, Myanmar (18 per they can do to limit the numbers of fathers who were 29 years all the UK papers, as well as in cent), Thailand (17 per cent) and of women locked up. Excessive and younger. These findings many international publications Kuwait (15 per cent). use of imprisonment does nothing took into account year of birth, including The Age and USA Today. The 4,392 women and girls to improve public safety.’

October 2006 | Comment | 21

Obituaries

UNA PADEL OBE her personal qualities however that to relate their distribution and 100 technical papers. made her so special to so many air pollution and advance plant He also wrote two texts on 1956-2006 people. Her integrity was evident. ecology. quantum mechanics and quantum She never wavered from a strongly Perhaps most famously, he electronics and was editor of the held set of values. Never one to rejoiced in the fact that human International Journal of Electronics. seek the limelight, nonetheless, management could be a positive After his retirement in 1985 he Una spoke out powerfully on factor in enhancing the floral mix. continued his research at King’s, behalf of those without much of a Ancient native trees, set in man- supported by industry and the voice or influence. made pastures, were in effect US Air Force Office of Scientific Una conducted her small and refugia for a cross-section of the Research. In 1998 he moved multi-talented team with skill floral diversity of Britain, which to Queen Mary, University of and sensitivity. She attracted had changed across the millennia London, as a Research Professor. enormous loyalty from colleagues of natural climate change. Shortly before his death, at the at CCJS and elsewhere. She was He was co-author with Lady age of 86, he presented a paper at a fighter for justice and decency Anne Brewis and Paul Bowman of a major conference in the USA, who contributed to the last. The Flora of Hampshire (1996), one where he was a frequent visitor. Tony Pearson, Chair CCJS Council of the most acclaimed local floras He was awarded the DSc of recent times. degree by London University, A founder of the Kent Wildlife and was a Fellow of both the FRANCIS ROSE MBE Trust, Francis was an active Institution of Electrical Engineers 1921-2006 member of the British Bryological and the Institute of Physics.

Una Padel was Director of the royal botanic gardens, kew Society, the British Lichen Professor Charles Turner, Centre for Centre for Crime and Justice Society and the Botanical Society Telecommunications Research Studies (CCJS) at King’s from of the British Isles, and was 1999 until her death in August elected as a life member of all this year. Throughout her three, the only British botanist to JOHN PRICE adult life she demonstrated be so honoured. 1942-2006 an unselfish, single-minded He was made an MBE in 2000, commitment to penal reform. and received the Wildlife Trust’s Una came to King’s with Christopher Cadbury medal in a tremendous record of 2001. Two years later the Francis achievement. Her four years as Rose Nature Reserve was set up a probation officer in Newcastle by the Royal Botanical Gardens at was an experience she never Wakehurst Place in West Sussex. forgot and the background against which much of her work was set. She then moved on as deputy PROFESSOR PETER LINDSAY at the Prison Reform Trust at 1920-2006 a turbulent time for the prison system in the mid 1980s. From there she led work on providing HIV education in prisons at a time when AIDS was provoking In 1994 John Price joined UMDS’ near hysteria in the system. Estates Department following Successfully improving an exemplary career in industry. facilities for families visiting Francis Rose, Reader in He was quickly commended for prisoners, especially in London, Biogeography at King’s, was his technical ability and praised was Una’s next project. And then regarded by many as the greatest for bringing jobs quickly and on to setting up CLINKS, a British field botanist of his efficiently in on time. national organisation to encourage time, possibly the greatest of In 1998, following the merger and facilitate involvement of the the past century. He coupled of UMDS with King’s, he voluntary sector in delivering an encyclopaedic knowledge transferred to the Denmark services in prisons, as founding of flowering plants, lichens and Hill Campus bringing with him director for a year. mosses with an exceptional sense a wealth of knowledge and a Una also found time to write of ecological awareness. quite fantastic practical approach and serve on committees and In 1964 he became Senior to dealing with problems. He advisory groups, evidence that her Lecturer in Biogeography in Peter Lindsay joined King’s from became Senior Site Supervisor knowledge was highly valued. It the Geography Department at industry in 1964 as a Lecturer in the Estates Department. was measure of her standing that King’s. Eleven years later he was in the Electrical Engineering John’s willingness to offer she was invited to become Chair appointed University Reader in Department and was promoted assistance at any time, whilst of the Penal Affairs Consortium Biogeography, a post he held to Reader in 1970 and to a never neglecting his duties, in 2003, a post she held until her until his retirement from teaching Personal Chair in 1974. He was an proved him to be a person of death. in 1981. internationally respected authority rare quality. Professionally without doubt she In the 1980s he used his on high power microwave electron Peter Bishai, Rayne Institute and led a full and fruitful life. It was extensive knowledge of lichens tubes and published more than Access Unit Manager

22 | Comment | October 2006

Student news

medical student, was one of KCLSU sabbatical officers three students shortlisted in the Travel scholarship Nutrition category. PhD student Malcolm Bovey, Sally was supervised by Tom Department of Mathematics, Sanders, Professor of Nutrition recently won the London & Dietetics and Dr Sarah Berry. Mathematical Society’s 2006 Cecil Dr Berry commented: ‘I am King Travel Scholarship. incredibly proud of Sally’s success The London Mathematical in being shortlisted. She was a Society makes the award of pleasure to supervise and a model up £5,000 annually to a young student – hardworking, dedicated mathematician of outstanding and very resilient. promise, to support a period of ‘Together with her colleague, study or research abroad for a Radhika Banerji, she managed typical period of three months. a human postpranidal dietary Malcolm will use the intervention study looking at Scholarship to fund a trip to the effect of dietary fat on the University of California, KCLSU’s four full-time sabbatical officers took office on 1 August. From left:E d Drummond (Vice- vascular function. San Diego, during the 2006-7 President Communications), Daryn McCombe (President), Adam Farley (VP Participation & ‘This was a particularly academic year. During his visit Development) and Jo Williams (VP Representation). challenging study to run and he hopes to investigate a new she executed it excellently. We Congruence conjecture, which Kallmann’s syndrome, which was now hope to publish the results gives a new p-adic approach to SET Awards supervised by Professor in a vascular journal and plan to understanding the properties of Ivor Mason in the MRC Centre continue with additional research Stark units through the use of The Science, Engineering & for Developmental Neurobiology in the area.’ local Hilbert symbols. Technology Student of the Year at King’s. (SET) Awards are Britain’s most Kallmann’s syndrome important awards for science is a developmental defect Student inductions and engineering undergraduates. characterised by anosmia (lack of greg funnell They are supported by British the sense of smell) and sterility. industry and leading scientific and Gregory used state-of-the-art technical institutions. gene interference approaches Two King’s undergraduates to inhibit the function of a key were shortlisted for this year’s gene identified as central to Awards placing them in the top the human disease in order to 45 science students in the UK. model how both the olfactory and Medical student Gregory Philp reproductive systems are affected. was one of the three finalists in He undertook the research project the Biology and Biotechnology as part of an intercalated BSc for category. which he was awarded First Class He was selected on the basis Honours. He has now returned to of his research project, Using the complete his medical training. zebrafish to understand human Sally Tucker, also an intercalated greg funnell International students take part in a Culture Shock workshop.

International Orientation events In addition to the main have been run by the Welfare orientation (13-15 September) and Advice Service for a number the programme was expanded of years at King’s. Their purpose this year to offer events is to facilitate successful study specifically focused for by equipping newly arrived postgraduate research students, international students with the study abroad students and those information required to fully studying at the Institute of incorporate themselves into UK Psychiatry. student life. On 9 September Student Students receive a thorough Services also ran a Mature introduction to the variety students’ induction event. Fifty- of support services available five undergraduates from across at King’s and are given vital eight Schools attended this information covering a range event which is now in its second of practicalities. The events year. The event is self selecting also provide opportunities for and aimed at those with no international students to meet recent experience of higher others at social receptions. education.

From left: Professor Ivor Mason, Gregory Philp, Sally Tucker and Dr Sarah Berry.

October 2006 | Comment | 23 Books

Three favourite... eateries near the denmark hill Campus As recommended by Camilla Saunders, Press Offi cer, Institute of Psychiatry.

willow (1 denmark hill) This would be my smarter restaurant recommendation.

brb (26 Camberwell Grove) grove.barroombar.com This is the Denmark Hill offshoot of the 26-bar group. King and Country: Shoot the Puppy: A survival Frontiers: Histories of Civil Everyone eats here as it’s Monarchy and the Future guide to the ridiculous jargon Society and Nature down the hill from the IoP King Charles III of modern life and does two pizzas for the Michael redclift, professor of price of one on Tuesdays. robert Blackburn, professor of Tony Thorne, former Director of the international environmental policy Constitutional Law english Language Centre The Phoenix (windsor walk) In Frontiers Professor Redclift This pub is next to Denmark When Prince Charles succeeds to Are you a bobo or a wombat? Have examines the relationship Hill tube station. This is the throne he is likely to become you ever been tempted to open between nature and society in popular for drinkers and does involved in politics in a manner the kimono or kick dead whales frontier areas – contested zones good food too. quite unlike his mother, Queen down the beach? If your answer in which rival versions of civil Elizabeth II. to any of these questions is ‘I’m society vie with one another, Please let us know your three Undoubtedly there will be not sure’ or ‘What are you talking often over the defi nition and favourite things related to a opportunities for modernisation about?’, then you defi nitely need management of nature itself. King’s Campus for example but there is also danger that the a copy of Shoot the Puppy. He presents fi ve cases in which three favourite…sandwich new King will become embroiled Amusing and informative, it civil societies emerged in frontier shops near Guy’s, museums in political controversy. guides the reader through the areas to manage common property near Waterloo or parks not far Will the reign of King Charles ever-growing heap of workplace or to legitimise private holdings. from St Thomas’ and they III prove a new dawn or troubled jargon and lifestyle buzzwords He describes a dialectical could appear in a future issue twilight for the institution of the from around the English-speaking process in frontier regions in of Comment and provide British monarchy? world, showing where these new which human societies and colleagues with useful tips. Professor Blackburn examines terms come from, what they their environments infl uence Email [email protected] these issues and other royal mean, and what they tell us about and illuminate one another: the questions such as what the the contemporary world. frontier can be seen as a crucible constitutional powers and duties The book takes a light-hearted in which both nature and civil Question? of the future King will be and approach, but has a serious institutions develop and co- what would happen if King subtext, functioning also as a evolve. In each of the fi ve case wouldn’t university life be more Charles felt unable to give Royal collection of challenging ideas studies, he argues, migration productive with a four-semester assent to a government bill at and innovations. The alphabetical and land settlement gave rise to academic year? odds with his own views and entries, in the form of mini-essays, ideologies of nature that refl ected beliefs? apply scholarly principles from not only the social and ethnic This is a new feature to King and Country also offers lexicology, semantics, etc but characteristics of the settlers but encourage debate on the pages a prescription for bringing the expressed in accessible language. also the effects of market forces of Comment so please let us monarchy into the modern Tony Thorne undertook on the natural environment. In know what you think about age. Professor Blackburn was interviews for BBC Radio 4, most of these areas the natural this question (or if you have interviewed on GMTV about Radio 5 Live, the World Service environment was transformed a question you’d like to pose) King and Country discussing the and 20 local radio stations about by the pressure of the market, and we will publish as many constitutional position of the this book. The book was also especially global markets. of your views as possible in the monarchy. The book was also featured in the Times Literary Frontiers deepens and broadens next issue of Comment. Email discussed in an article in the Supplement and extracts printed in our understanding of the role of your thoughts to: Daily Express. The Sunday Telegraph. the frontier. [email protected] Politico’s Publishing ltd Penguin Books ltd mIT Press

Comment is the College’s regular newsletter, edited by the Public Relations Department and designed by the Corporate Design Unit | Articles are welcomed from all members of the College, but please note that the Editor reserves the right to amend articles | Copy for the next issue can be sent to Julie Munk, Public Relations Department (ext 3075), James Clerk Maxwell Building, Waterloo Campus, or emailed to [email protected] by 15 november.

24 | Comment | October 2006